The Wilkes Climate supports innovative ideas to help fund and accelerate solutions to climate change. Organizations at all stages, both for-profits and nonprofits, anywhere in the world are eligible to submit ideas. The first round of submissions is due 28 February 2026. Wilkes Climate Launch Prize
awards/prizes
World Habitat — World Habitat Awards 2027
The World Habitat Awards (WHA) demonstrate solutions to current housing issues faced by countries worldwide. The WHA takes a broad perspective to include energy, waste management, water conservation, resilience to natural disasters, and other environmental aspects in its definition of habitat. Two winners will each receive £10 thousand. The deadline for applications (English, French, Spanish) is 04 March 2026. World Habitat Awards
Arizona State University — Competition for Women Social Entrepreneurs
The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge is a global competition for women social entrepreneurs who are advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The challenge honors innovative women entrepreneurs, invests in the most inspiring and transformational ideas, and ignites awareness. Awardees will participate in a dynamic pitch competition to present their business for the opportunity to receive a US$20 thousand grant. The competition is open to female entrepreneurs and business leaders from all around the world. Applications are open until 08 March 2026. More information
Climate Investment Challenge — Climate Solutions
The Climate Investment Challenge is a global competition that invites graduate students and early-career professionals to develop investment-ready climate solutions addressing climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience across sectors such as energy, food systems, nature, cities, and industry. Participants work in teams to design financially viable projects and receive training, mentorship, and feedback from climate finance and industry experts throughout the challenge. Finalist teams compete for cash prizes (typically up to US$10 thousand) and gain exposure to investors and climate leaders to help advance or pilot their solutions. The challenge is open worldwide.The submission deadline for concept notes is 16 March 2026. Climate Investment Challenge
Tällberg Foundation — Global Leadership Prize
The Tällberg-SNF-Eliasson Global Leadership Prize recognizes innovative leaders addressing complex global challenges. Each of the three laureates will receive an unrestricted US$50 thousand grant. Nominations are open to anyone. Nominations close on 31 March 2026. Global Leadership Prize
Nikon — Small World Competition 2026
The Nikon Small World Competition is open to anyone with an interest in photography through the microscope. Each year, the top 20 prize-winners are exhibited at numerous museums and science centers throughout the United States and Canada. The Top 3 winners will receive up to US$3 thousand. Only photomicrographs are eligible. Entries must be received no later than 30 April 2026. Know more
Zayed Sustainability Prize — Call for Applications
The Zayed Sustainability Prize recognizes achievements that are driving impact, innovation and inspiration in environmental stewardship and global sustainability. The Prize is awarded across several categories: (i) Health; (ii) Food; (iii) Energy; (iv) Water; and (v) Global high schools (i.e., high schools in six world regions). The winners in each category receive US$600 thousand each. The closing date for applications and nominations is June 2026. Know more
The Earth Foundation — Earth Prize Schools Competition
The Earth Foundation invites secondary school students aged 13–19, working individually or in teams, to propose innovative solutions to environmental challenges at the local, national, or global level. Participants receive mentorship, learning resources, and expert guidance to refine their projects, with selected entries competing for cash prizes of up to US$12,500. The competition is open worldwide to eligible secondary school students. The application deadline is 30 January 2026. Earth Prize Schools Competition
Blue Ocean — Student Entrepreneur Competition
The Blue Ocean Competition is a global entrepreneurship competition for high school students aged 14–18 that challenges participants to develop innovative business ideas to address real-world problems in areas such as sustainability, social impact, and economic development. Students can compete individually or in teams, progressing through written pitches and virtual presentations, with finalists gaining access to mentorship, training, and networking opportunities. The competition awards cash prizes and scholarships, helping winners further develop or launch their ideas. It is open to students worldwide. The application deadline is 22 February 2026. Blue Ocean Competition
AEON Environmental Foundation — MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity 2026
The MIDORI Prize is a biennial international prize to honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity at global, regional, or local levels. In principle, the MIDORI Prize is awarded to three individuals. Each prize winner is awarded US$100 thousand. The deadline for nominations is 31 March 2026. Find nomination guidelines